by Ken Farmer
The man looked at Julius with narrowed eyes, then replied, "I would give that they are with much other needs for soldiers now that the war with Mithridates of Pontus has begun."
Julius kept his face placid, even though his thoughts began racing with haste at the statement. If true, and there was little reason for the man to give falsehoods that could easily be examined, how could a war with the eastern lands bordering the Aegean Sea have begun in the short time since the Petrel departed Capua? He gave a forced gesture of disinterest, then, "Mayhap. But Rome has many Legions and her confederated domains even more." Now he spread his hands, in gesture of concord. "But why speak of war? I am the son of a merchant family, not a warrior come to conqueror, nor have I a writ to rule. My only desire is to gather honest wealth in trade for my people and in doing, for the merchants of the cities with which we have commerce."
"You come to reestablish a trading presence in Antioch?" At the nod from the Roman, he continued, "I would give thought to remunerating any agent with sufficient wage that he not suddenly depart as did the previous."
Julius looked at the man, keeping his face expressionless. This magistrate obviously knew of the closure of their agency, and twice. His wonder was if the man knew the reason. He decided that it was time to shake the tree again, to see what might fall to the ground. "Our factors did not depart. They were slain at the orders of certain citizens unwilling to submit to honest competition."
"That is a harsh accusation. One might gain a belief that it is your enterprise that fears challenge in merchantry." The voice had some uncertainty - a wavering of voice that gave indication of worriment that he himself might be given accuse of such foul doing.
"I have a scroll, testimented by others and given by the Adjunct of one of your major trading houses, giving particulars of the foul deeds of the master. Nay, hold your words." Julius cut off the impulsive denial that was about to be uttered - a denial that any merchant in the city would stoop to such. Now he reached forward to take the unrolled scroll, turning it to display the script. "As you have read, the last issuance gives me sanction to adjudge this matter without interference of the officialdom of the city." He quickly rolled the papyrus back onto the spindle. "I have brought half a Century of soldiers to do just that. If necessary, I will have an entire Legion ferried to Antioch." He paused for effect, then, "And mayhap, an entire Stratós from King Tigranes. I have belief that he would have much desire to show strength in this domain. An army of a thousand Hoplites would do so, and with much effect."
The last was pure pretense, but given life with the flourish of the seal of that Tigranes at the bottom of the papyrus, alongside that of the Senate of Rome and Antiochus.
Now Julius said, "I give gratitude for your cooperation, Kurios. Such will be reported to the King - whichever one intends to claim Antioch for his own." As the magistrate seemed to have no further words to give, or else such were stuck in his throat, the Roman gave a shallow bow, then turned and strode from the room.
In the streets, he gave only a glance at a large man standing at a kiosk on the far side, then led the two men and the unit of soldiers along the main via to the area of the port offices. He would have laughed at the expressions of Eukles, the Conciliator, and the scribes in his large workroom when the party arrived in their doorway... had the situation been humorous in any way.
"Kap... Kapetánios Clavius. I am... It is a goodly meeting you again." The principal of the office seemed to have the same problem as the Dikastís, with issuing words from his throat. "I was not in expectation of your arrival..."
With a smile, Julius replied, "Aye. Such was the thought of the Dikastís, also. But, here I am and come to resume our trade with the city." He turned to receive the Royal scroll from Heraklides. "And with considerable aegis." He held it out - not to give, but only to show its existence. "This is my Writ of Mandamus from Tigranes... and others of power. Nay!" He waved the man to silence. "I will speak any words needed this day. From you I give two requirements. Firstly, an office for my new agent, and of goodly aspect and frontage. Then, the presence of the scribes with given names of Cineas and Pigras. They will report to my vessel before the midday hour." He gestured to the rank of soldiers standing in the street just outside the doorway. "These are the vanguard of a Legion of such, should I find the need. I will be forgiving of any who have made offense, under duress, against men of my employ under but the heart will be cut from any that I find were implicated in the acts. Have notice sent to my ship of our new offices by the mid-afternoon hour."
He turned and departed the offices, leaving a group of men who were as Gorgon-frozen statues.
Across from their wharf was a storeyard, large and enclosed as most, with a stone wall. With a full purse of silver rounds at the belt of Julius, the bargaining time was short, and within the hour the soldiers from the merchant were erecting their tents in the open grounds. With eight men on watch at the ships, the rest would make an encampment just as if on maneuvers in war. Julius made custom with a food kiosk to supply the meals and a taverna for wine, then found a close inn for the crews of both ships. On the wharf, he called all together to give warning. "I have made notice that we are come to establish our presence again, and with need of any action required. And, as I doubt that the miscreants who slew our agents will go quietly into the night, all need to take extreme vigilance as the watchword. None may enter the city without leaving word of their destination, and not in less than four men in the group. And keep your intake of wine at minimal. Your need for sudden action might arise in a mere heartbeat."
Walking to stand before Patroclus, he said, "I have received word from the Dikastís that the Legions are in move to battle against Mithridates of Pontus. Gain what news you can find in the scriberies of the city." The sage nodded and donned his cloak before walking from the wharf. Now, as the crew left to make their abode in the inn, he called the Centurion to talk with him under the mast.
For a Plebeian man - even a veteran officer - to sit with a noble Tribune of the Legions was somewhat discomfiting, but Julius waved off his objections. "Nay, I am such in name only and only because of mandatory requirement for young men of noble families. I am a Capitaneus and without pretense of vantage over any competent man." He filled a cup and handed it to the Centurion, then began to speak of the reason for this mission, giving goodly tale of the past actions against the family in Antioch. He left nothing out, needing to impress the man that the days might be filled with some peril for himself and the men.
The tale of the reason done, he discussed possible responses to actions that might be played against them. Encouraging advice and counsel from a man who had seen actual desperate battle, he finally began to break through the reserve of the officer. They agreed on a range of options, the most extreme being the closing of ranks to fight their way back to the ships, if needed, then to push away from the wharf to gain the succor of the open sea. "...but if such happens, then we will have failed in our mission, requiring yet another effort and a half year of wasted time to plan and plot another." He caught movement on the wharf, then said, "Ah. Here is my man, come to tell us of the basket from which the rotten fruit of the city comes."
Waving Melglos to another chair, and offering a cup, he said, "This is my shipboard Greek - one of them." Pointing to the Legionary, he said, "Centurion Drusus, that you saw on Syrna and in command of the soldiers on the merchant." Now he asked, "What of your watch?"
On the visit to Eukles, the Conciliator, he had given orders for Melglos to straggle along at distance to gather what he might. Unlike the shaved Romans, his presence among the men on the streets would be as a single nut in a basket of such, unseen and unremarked. Pontika would have done as well, but Julius was with fear that the girl might be recognized as the youngster that had given aid to the Petrel on their last visit. If so, then her life would end at the next heartbeat. Indeed, even Melglos might be pointed by some observer from before, but disposing of the large Thracian would be an entirely differen
t proposition.
Melglos pointed vaguely with his cup. "Aye, it was as you said..."
Julius waved a hand to halt the words. "Nay. Speak in Latini. The Centurion does not have the tongue of this land."
The Thracian nodded, then began again, "On your disappearance along the street, a man issued from the building and hurried along the drómos... the street named Pentagathe, to the moneychanger's, then to a building facing the Agora - the frontage of yon with the statue of some Koré in the yard." Julius nodded, knowing without asking that he was describing the compound of Dionysophanes. "His missive was of some importance, apparently - other men issued from the building in haste along the streets in different directions." There was a pause, then, "If I may, Capitaneus?" Julius nodded. "We need not wait until the body has garbed with armor, to allow our stroke to be deflected. If the head is removed, the sword-arm need not be feared."
The Roman nodded as he replied. "Aye, such would be truthsome were we at war, but as I have said to both Drusus here, and his Commander, Caesar, a half Century of Legionaries cannot contend against a city such as Antioch. I need more knowledge before we initiate any contention..."
"Yon comes Ngozi and the Korí." Melglos was pointing back over the bow.
Julius turned to see that indeed the pair was in walk - nay, in some quick stride toward the ship. For the nonce, the girl was dressed again as a boy, as young female urchins did not run loosely around the docks. Of course, it was becoming obvious to all on board that such deception would soon come to an end. The tight band that kept her swelling nipples from tenting her garment would soon be insufficient to hold back the mammae that would be growing under the cloth.
"This cannot be goodsome," he muttered. Why Pontika would be in escort by the black man, rather than Densus was a question.
Striding onto the ship to where the three men, now standing, were waiting, Ngozi said, "'Tika has some tidings for yourself, Capitaneus."
The youngster did not wait for the nod from his Captain before blurting, "I saw the man, the second of Ardeshir, standing in stare beside the garment vendor by the inn, Capitaneus! He was with three men and measuring our presence, sending one to run up the street even as I watched!"
"Who?" blurted Melglos.
Julius was in puzzlement also. The name was vaguely familiar but he could not quite bring the memory.... "Hold, Korí. Who is this man you are speaking of?"
"Ardeshir! The manslayer in the hire of 'Phanes, Capitaneus. His second man is a brute. I have seen him break the bones of a serving girl for spilling a drop of wine on his garb."
Ah. Now the memory came back. Aye, Ardeshire was the strong arm of the leading merchant, spoken of by Cambyses of Sidon, the escaped slave that had given his knowledge of the evilness against the family by such. Apparently he had an assistant that followed the violent needs of his master. "Now, Pontika, give us your seeings from the start."
The girl swallowed, then nodded. Taking a deep breath, she began, "The ypnodomátio of Densus and me is high in the house, and with goodly view of the drómos, all the way to the dikastírio..."
"Slow your pace, youngling. Think on your words." In her excitement, the youngster was mixing both her native tongue with that used by the Romans on the ship. Julius could make the meaning, but for the advantage of the Centurion, he repeated the first sentence. "Your room with the sleeping mats gives goodsome look over the street leading to the Agora... Continue."
With another breath, Pontika rethought her words, then said with some care, "I was in watch of the tachydaktylourgòs... the... the... man giving toss of his colored stones in the air..."
"Juggler," gave Melglos. One of the myriad street performers seen in all ports, giving display in hopes of a coin or two from watchers.
"Aye... Juc.... Juggler. But, then I saw, standing under the thatch of the clothing vendor, the man."
"Ardeshir. Or rather, his second."
"And three men, but one was sent running up the street. I pointed the man to Densus and he gave that we should give the tale to you, Capitaneus. But he bade me to wait until Ngozi was given call to accompany."
Julius nodded. It had been a wise move on the part of their cook. Densus was a good man in a scrap, but the black crewman was vastly more deadly as escort should the girl be accosted upon leaving the inn. To her he asked, "You saw no one of threat in your steps to the ship?"
"Nay, Capitaneus. But the distance is not far." Indeed, it was only a hundred strides to the inn - hardly a length to find and plan an ambuscade, if such was wanted. Suddenly a thought came, and not one that was pleasant. Turning to Melglos, he ordered with some emphasis, "Go with Ngozi. The Sage has gone to give queries about some tidings that I was given. On the street with the port magistrates and scriberies. Find him and give escort, and with haste."
There was no statement of question, or hesitation - both men strode with swiftness along the wharf.
In deep thought, he stood for a while, now with only the Korí and the Centurion in presence. Looking at the position of the sun, his thoughts were with some turmoil. "It is almost the midday hour. It would appear that Eukles has greater fear of Dionysophanes than myself."
"Capitaneus?"
In a start, Julius realized that he had spoken aloud. "Nay, Pontika. I had giving desire to speak to certain... men of the establishment of the Conciliator. Such were to appear before the midday gong. It would appear that my bidding was discarded." Indeed, those were the scribes in the office of Eukles - their names given by the escaped slave Cambyses that had witnessed the deeds against the previous agents of the family - or, at least, the orders given for such. He muchly desired a session of questions with the men.
Finally, he turned to the Centurion. "Return to the storeyard. Do not allow your men to leave, and maintain readiness." The man saluted, then paused as Julius said, "Give word to Capitaneus Fundanus to hold the men of both ships at the inn. No man to leave and all to give goodly watch for any threat that might arrive. And tell the man, Judoc, to attend me."
Chapter 22
The sun was dropping past the midday point and Julius realized that his demands for the two scribes to attend him was not going to be met. It was obvious that Eukles had determined the Captain to be the lesser of perils in his situation. With both Ngozi and Melglos still absent in their search for the Sage, he could not leave the ship. With his men split between the ships, the inn and the storeyard with the Legionaries encampment, he was required to maintain his presence that all might find him in case of... whatever might happen.
The Contubernium of eight soldiers were in watch on the dock, taking their rest, but all facing the shore with weapons at the ready. Capitaneus Fundanus had come back to the ship, bringing his crew, not in guard, but for mending. He had given that his satisfaction with the set of the forward mast was less than wanted and now his men were giving re-rig to the stays in attachment to that pole - and other smaller mendings always needed to the myriad of fittings on any ship of the sea.
The Petrel being pointed inward to the port, Judoc was sitting in the bow, merely watching the flow of port workers and vendors - and trulls in their unclothed and tempting poses - in the endless meandering of such in any harbor around the Great Sea. Julius could see his unstrung bow and a full quiver of shafts beside him, although to his thoughts - and hopes - there was little use for such a distance weapon in the midst of a city.
Then, mayhap not. He could well remember the arrows passing overhead in the doomed city of Salona, as they floundered in the water at defense from some over-bearing noble attempting to take the Petrel for his escape.
But, of far more concern was the failure of both Ngozi and Melglos to return. Such meant that they had not found Patroclus in their search, or... Either man was the equal of an entire pack of street-toughs, but ... even a man with the skills of Mars himself can be struck down from behind by some cowardly slayer in the crowd.
Flavius and Densus appeared, the Carpenter no doubt wishing to gain some activity
of interest, rather than sitting in the quiet rooms of an inn. With only a nod, the man began his interminable search for any wear or defect in the ship, his occasional tapping of wood with his hammer faintly audible through the scuttle opening.
The cook had a basket, filled with viands hot and smoking from the dock vendors. Offering the repast to Julius and receiving a nod of gratitude, a haunch was set on the small table, along with bread and cheese. It was obvious that the meal could have been hard and dry rations, for any notice that the Captain gave to his meal. Only his eyes were with ready use, still examining the port road from end to end, and then again.